Billy Graham: Coming to terms with the reality of Satan

DEAR BILLY GRAHAM: What does the devil look like? I know he probably doesn’t have a red suit and a pitchfork and all that, but do you think we’d recognize him if we saw him? Doesn’t the Bible say someplace that he’s like an angel? — D.L.

God told Cain before he killed his brother Abel: 'If you do well, will you not be accepted? if you do not well, sin waits at the door." - Gen. 4:7

A. DEAR D.L.: Although Satan is a spiritual instead of a physical being, the Bible does tell us that at times he can assume physical form. For example, when Satan tempted Jesus to turn away from God, he may have taken on the appearance of a man — although with supernatural powers (see Matthew 4:1-11).

But the Bible doesn’t tell us exactly what Satan looks like when he does put in an appearance. The apostle Paul warned that at times Satan may seem like an angel of light — in other words, appearing to be pure and good in order to deceive us into thinking his ways are best (see 2 Corinthians 11:14). At other times, however, his appearance must be frightening and evil — because that is Satan’s true nature, whether he is seen or unseen. The Bible warns, “Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8).

Always, however, remember two great truths about Satan. First, he is absolutely opposed to God, and to God’s plan for our lives…